AU2011242403A1

AU2011242403A1 - Combined method for improving the health of skin

Info

Publication number: AU2011242403A1
Application number: AU2011242403A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Amie Skilton
Original assignee: Fit Bioceuticals Ltd
Current assignee: FIT-BIOCEUTICALS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-04-20
Filing date: 2011-04-20
Publication date: 2012-12-06
Also published as: WO2011130788A1

Abstract

Methods for improving the health of the skin of a subject comprising administering an oral composition comprising resveratrol, a proanthocyanidin, grape skin extract and vitamin C; a first topical composition comprising glycolic acid, a Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate and a water lily extract; and a second topical composition comprising a yeast extract, essential fatty acids, moisturiser, a water lily extract, water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins are described.

Description

WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 1 Combined method for improving the health of skin Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for improving the health of the skin of a subject by s administration of a combination of oral and topical compositions. Background of the Invention Many people wish to improve the visual appearance of their skin and a great deal of research is devoted to means of achieving such improvements. Most of the commercially available products io address the problem of improving the health of skin by the topical application of a composition, in other words by acting on the exterior of the skin. However, such topical applications can at best only penetrate several layers of skin and ultimately cannot reach or penetrate the dermoepidermal junction and therefore the effects of topical compositions are limited. Accordingly, there is a need for compositions that can improve the health of skin by targeting the skin from the exterior and from is within. The present -inventors have surprisingly found that combinations of oral and topical compositions improve the health of skin by providing topical compositions which act on the exterior of the skin and an oral composition that acts from within by improving the nutritional health of an individual. 20. Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for improving the health of the skin of a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an oral composition comprising resveratrol, a proanthocyanidin, grape skin extract and vitamin C; a first topical composition 25 comprising glycolic acid, a Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate and a water lily extract; and a second topical composition comprising a yeast extract, essential fatty acids, moisturiser, a water lily extract, water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. In one embodiment the first topical composition is administered to the skin before the second 30 topical composition. The first topical composition may be left on the skin for approximately 10 min and then removed. The grape skin extract may be obtained from Vitis vinifera. The amount of grape skin extract present in the oral composition may be between about 10 mg and about 200 mg. In one WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 2 embodiment the amount of grape skin extract present in the oral composition is about 30 mg. The amount of resveratrol present in the oral composition may be between about 25 mg and about 300 mg. In one embodiment the amount of resveratrol present in the oral composition is about 5 100 mg. The resveratrol may be present in the oral composition as an extract. The extract may be obtained from Polygonum cuspidatum or Polygonum sachalinense. 0 The amount of the proanthocyanidin present in the oral composition may be between about 15 mg and about 80 mg. In one embodiment the amount of the proanthocyanidin present in the oral composition is about 47.5 mg. The proanthocyanidin may be present in the oral composition as an extract. The extract may be 15 obtained from grape seed. The grape may be Vitis vinifera. The amount of vitamin C present in the oral composition may be between about 25 mg and about 200 mg. In one embodiment the amount of vitamin C present in the oral composition is about 50 mg. 20 The oral composition may further comprise quercetin. The amount of quercetin present in the oral composition may be between about 10 mg and about 100 mg. In one embodiment the amount of quercetin present in the oral composition is about 40 mg. 25 The oral composition may further comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents or adjuvants. The oral composition may be in the form of a unit dosage form, for example tablets, capsules or caplets. 30 The method may involve oral administration of between 1 and 5 dosage forms per day. The oral composition may be in the form of a food stuff or beverage.

WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 3 The amount of glycolic acid in the first topical composition may be between about 10% w/w and about 20% w/w. In one embodiment the amount of glycolic acid in the first topical composition is about 15% w/w. s The amount of Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate in the first topical composition may be between about 1% w/w and about 5% w/w. In one embodiment the amount of Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate present in the first topical composition may be about 1.5% w/w. The amount of water lily extract in the first topical composition may be about 3% w/w. 10 The water lily extract in the first topical composition may be obtained from Nymphaea alba. The amount of yeast extract in the second topical composition may be between about 1% w/w and about 15% w/w. In one embodiment the amount of yeast extract in the second topical composition 15 may be 5% w/w. The yeast extract in the second topical composition may be obtained from a species of Saccharomyces The species may be Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 20 The amount of essential fatty acids in the second topical composition may be about 0.2% w/w. The essential fatty acids in the second topical composition may be derived from a marine source. In one embodiment the essential fatty acids may comprise eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. 25 The amount of moisturiser present in the second topical composition may be between about 0.5% w/w and about 7% w/w. In one embodiment the amount of moisturiser present in the second topical composition is 1.5% w/w. The moisturiser may be obtained from Beta vulgaris, typically from the root of Beta vulgaris. 30 The amount of water lily extract in the second topical composition may be about 3% w/w. The water lily extract in the second topical composition may be obtained from Nymphaea alba.

WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 4 The amount of fat-soluble vitamins present in the second topical composition may be between about 0.1% w/w and about 5% w/w. In one embodiment the amount of fat-soluble vitamins present in the second topical composition may be between about 0.5% w/w and about 2% w/w. The fat soluble vitamins may comprise vitamin E, vitamin Ki and vitamin A. 5 The amount of water-soluble vitamins present in the second topical composition may be between about 0.1% w/w and about 5% w/w. In one embodiment the amount of water-soluble vitamins present in the second topical composition may be between about 0.5% w/w and about 3% w/w. The water-soluble vitamins may comprise vitamin C, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6. 10 Definitions Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but 1s not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. In the context of this specification, the terms "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element. 20 In the context of this specification, the term "proanthocyanidin" refers to flavanol compounds, and in particular oligomers comprising at least one flavanol moiety. Examples of proanthocyanidins include catechins, such as epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG). 25 In the context of this specification, the term "extract" refers to an active preparation derived from one or more plants. In the context of this specification "active" means that the extract is capable of producing a desired therapeutic or cosmetic benefit as disclosed herein. An extract is obtained by a process of "extraction" which will be understood by those skilled in the art as, in general terms, treatment of plant material (for example, fruit, fruit skin, leaves, seed, bark, roots, stems and the 30 like) with a solvent, a liquid, or a supercritical fluid to dissolve the active compound(s) and separate the same from residual unwanted plant material. An extract may be in liquid form (for example as a decoction, solution, infusion or tincture) or solid form (for example as a powder or granules).

WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 5. In the context of this specification, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable" means that the compound to which it refers is suitable for use in contact with tissues of the body without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, irritation, allergic response, and the like, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. 5 In the context of this specification, the terms "improve" and "improving" refer to the ability to achieve a measurable benefit in relation to the health of skin (such as the appearance and/or texture of the skin), or otherwise prevent, hinder, retard, or reverse the deterioration in the appearance of the skin in any way whatsoever. Thus the terms "improve", "improving" and the like are to be considered in 10 their broadest context. In the context of this specification, "food", "foods", "beverage" or "beverages" includes but is not limited to health foods, functional foods and foods for specified health use. When such food or beverage of the present invention is used for subjects other than humans, the term can be used to 15 include a feedstuff. In the context of this specification "moisturiser" or "moisturisers" includes but is not limited to natural plant-derived active ingredients that support the natural moisturising factors (NMF) of the skin of a subject. 20 The present invention contemplates combination therapies, wherein the oral composition and topical compositions as disclosed herein are coadministered. For example, the oral composition and topical compositions may be administered by coadministration or sequential administration with. the compositions disclosed herein. By "coadministered" is meant simultaneous administration of 25 the oral compositions and topical compositions. By "sequential" administration is meant a time difference of from seconds, minutes, hours or days between the administration of the two types of the oral composition and the topical compositions agents. The oral and topical compositions may be administered in any order. 30 In the context of this specification, the term,"about," is understood to refer to a range of numbers that a person of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value in the context of achieving the same function or result.

WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 6 In the context of this specification, the term "subject" includes humans, primates, livestock animals (eg. sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, donkeys), laboratory test animals (eg. mice, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs), companion animals (eg. dogs, cats) and captive wild animals (eg. foxes, kangaroos, deer). Typically, the subject is a human or a laboratory test animal: Even more typically, the subject is a 5 human. Detailed Description of the Invention The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that it is possible to improve the health of the skin of a subject by administering an oral composition comprising resveratrol, a proanthocyanidin, 10 grape skin extract and vitamin C; a first topical composition comprising glycolic acid, a- Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate and a water lily extract; and a second topical composition comprising a yeast extract, essential fatty acids, moisturiser, a water lily extract, water-soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins. 15 The administration of a combination of the oral composition and the first and second topical compositions of the present invention may improve the health of the skin of a subject by providing cosmetic improvements including: anti-ageing effects - retardation and reduction of wrinkles or visible lines 20 - improved skin texture and firmness protection against oxidative stress - promotion of collagen production promotion of elastin production - skin lightening effects 25 - promotion of skin repair - improvement in collagen cross-linking - supporting the skin barrier function - increasing skin radiance - reduction of acne scars 30 reduction of age spots promotion of skin regeneration - promotion of desquamation - restoration of the hydrolipid film - promotion of lipid synthesis WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 7 - promotion of skin healing - restoration of the physiological balance of the skin - reduction of inflammation of skin - promotion of cell renewal 5 - increasing of natural moisturising factors in the skin In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the first topical composition is administered to the skin before the second topical composition. The first topical composition may be administered to the face and neck. The first topical composition may be left on the skin for io approximately 10 min and then removed. Alternatively the first topical composition may be left on for approximately 5 min, 6 min, 7 min, 8 min, 9 min, 11 min, 12 min, 13 min or 14 min. The first topical composition may be removed with water. The water may be warm. A cotton pad, cotton wool or tissue or any other suitable may also be used to remove the first topical composition from the skin. The second topical composition may be administered to the face and neck and may be is left on the skin overnight. In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of resveratrol present in the composition may be between about 25 mg and about 300 mg, or more typically between about 25 mg and about 200 mg, or between about 50 mg and about 150 mg. Alternatively, the 20 composition may comprise about 55 mg, 60 mg, 65 mg, 70 mg, 75 mg, 80 mg, 85 mg, 90 mg, 95 mg, 100 mg, 105 mg, 110 mg, 115 mg, 120 mg, 125 mg, 130 mg, 135 mg, 140 mg, or 145 mg of resveratrol The resveratrol may be present in the composition in a highly pure form (for example greater than 25 98% pure), or alternatively as part of an extract. The extract may be obtained from Polygonum cuspidatum or Polygonum sachalinense, or indeed any other plant or part thereof which contains resveratrol (for example cranberries, blueberries, mulberries, raspberries and certain pine trees). The resveratrol may be present in the composition in the form of a salt or derivative thereof. Suitable derivatives include compounds wherein one or more of the hydroxy groups are derivatised, 30 for example acylated or alkylated. In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of proanthocyanidin present in the composition may be between about 15 mg and about 80 mg, or between about 25 mg and about 60 mg, or between about 35 mg and about 55 mg. Alternatively, the composition may WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 8 comprise about 34 mg, 35 mg, 36 mg, 37 mg, 38 mg, 39 mg, 40 mg, 41 mg, 42 mg, 43 mg, 44 mg, 45 mg, 46 mg, 47 mg, 48 mg, 49 mg, 50 mg, 51 mg, 52 mg, 53 mg, or 54 mg of a proanthocyanidin. s The proanthocyanidin may be present in the composition in a highly pure form (for example greater than 98% pure), or alternatively as part of an extract. The proanthocyanidin may be obtained from grape seed, for example grape seed of Vitis vinifera. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the proanthocyanidin may also be extracted from many other plants or parts thereof, for example, apples, pine bark, cinnamon, cocoa, grape skin, bilberries, cranberries, chokeberries, i blackcurrants, green tea, black tea, Quercus petraea and Quercus robur heartwood. The proanthocyanidin may be present in the composition in the form of a salt or derivative thereof. Suitable derivatives include compounds wherein one or more of the hydroxy groups are derivatised, for example acylated or alkylated. 15 In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of grape skin extract present in the composition may be between about 10 mg and about 200 mg, or between about 10 mg and about 100 mg, or between about 20 mg and about 50 mg. Alternatively, the composition may comprise about 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, or 45 mg of grape skin extract. 20 The grape skin extract may be obtained from any species of the Vitis genus. The species may be Vitis vinifera. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the grape skin extract may also be obtained from other species of the Vitis genus, including but not limited to Vitis mustangensis, Vitis aestivalis, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis Iabrusca 25 In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of vitamin C present in the composition may be between about 25 mg and about 200 mg, or between about 25 mg and about 100 mg, or between about 35 mg and about 65 mg. Alternatively, the composition may comprise about 40 mg, 45 mg, 50 mg, 55 mg, or 60 mg vitamin C. 30 The oral compositions of the invention may be conveniently presented in unit dosage form and prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy The method may include the step of bringing the components of the oral composition into association with a carrier which constitutes one or more accessory ingredients. In general, the compositions are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the components of the oral composition with a WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 9 liquid carrier or finely divided solid carrier, or both and then, if necessary, shaping the product into the desired composition. Compositions suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units (i.e. dosage 5 forms) such as gelatine or HPMC capsules, cachets or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount each component of the composition as a powder, granules, as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid, or as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion. io When the composition is formulated as capsules, the components of the oral composition may be formulated with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers such as starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and/or silicon dioxide. Additional ingredients may include lubricants such as magnesium stearate and/or calcium stearate. s Tablets may be prepared by compression or moulding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing in a suitable machine the components of the oral composition in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant (for example magnesium stearate or calcium stearate), inert diluent or a surface active/dispersing agent. Moulded tablets may b'e made by moulding a mixture of the 20 powdered composition moistened with an inert liquid diluent, in a suitable machine. The tablets may optionally be coated, for example, with an enteric coating and may be formulated so as to provide slow or controlled release of the composition therein. The skilled addressee will also appreciate that the specific dosing regimen (with respect for 25 example to frequency and duration of administration) to be employed in accordance with embodiments of the invention may be determined on a case-by-case basis, Such determinations are well within the capabilities of those skilled in the art without undue burden or experimentation, Further, it will be understood that the specific dose level of an oral composition of the invention for 30 any particular individual will depend upon a variety of factors including, for example, the activity of the resveratrol, proanthocyanidin, grape skin and vitamin C employed, the age, body weight, general health and diet of the individual to be treated, the time of administration, rate of excretion, and combination with any other treatment or therapy. Single or multiple daily administrations can be carried out with dose levels. A broad range of doses may be applicable.

WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 10 The present invention contemplates the administration of the oral composition in a food or beverage. The food may be a solid form or a liquid form. Specific examples of the types of foods or beverages include, but are not limited to soft drinks, carbonated drinks, nutritional beverages, 5 fruit beverages, and milk beverages (including a concentrated stock solution of such a beverage and a dry powder for preparation of such a beverage); confectionery such as chewing gum and chocolate; dairy products such as milk, yogurt, butter, and cheese. In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of glycolic acid (or 1o hydroxyacetic acid) present in the first topical composition may be between about 10% w/w and about 20% w/w, or more typically between about 12% w/w and about 18% w/w. Alternatively, the first topical composition may comprise about 13% w/w, 14% w/w, 15% w/w, 16% w/w, or 17% w/w glycolic acid. 1s The glycolic acid may be present in the composition in a highly pure form (for example greater than 98% pure) or alternatively as part of an extract. The extract may be obtained from sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe, and unripe grapes, or indeed any other plant or part thereof which glycolic acid. The glycolic acid may be prepared by the reaction of chloroacetic acid with sodium hydroxide followed by re-acidification, however, a person skilled in the art will appreciate 20 that there are other chemical synthesis with which to prepare glycolic acid. Glycolic acid can also be prepared using an enzymatic biochemical process. The glycolic acid may be present in the composition in the form of a salt or derivative thereof. In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of Vibrio Alginolyticus 25 ferment filtrate present in the first topical composition may be between about 1% w/w and about 5% w/w, or between about 1% w/w and about 3% w/w, or between about 1% w/w and about 2% w/w. Alternatively, the composition may comprise about 1.1% w/w, 1.2% w/w, 1.3% w/w, 1.4% w/w, 1.5% w/w, 1.6% w/w, 1.7% w/w, 1.8% w/w or 1.9% w/w of Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate. 30 The Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate may be present in the composition in a highly pure form (for example greater than 98% pure), or alternatively as part of an extract.

WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 11 In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of water lily extract present in the first topical composition may be between about 1% w/w and about 5% w/w, or more typically between about 2% w/w and about 4% w/w. Alternatively, the composition may comprise about 2.5% w/w, 3.0% w/w, or 3.5% w/w of water lily extract. 5 The water lily extract may be obtained from any species of Nymphaeaceae. The species may be Nymphaea alba The extract may be derived from the flower of a species of Nymphaeaceae. The water lily extract may be present in the composition in the form of a salt or derivative thereof and may be in the form of liquid or oil. 10 In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of yeast extract present in the second topical composition may be between about 1% w/w and about. 15% w/w, or more typically between about 2% w/w and about 10% w/w. Alternatively, the second topical composition may comprise about 3% w/w, 4% w/w, 5% w/w, 6% w/w, 7*/ w/w, 8% w/w, or 9% w/w of yeast 1s extract. The yeast extract may be obtained from any species of Saccharomyces. The species may be Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast extract may by a polysaccharide extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The polysaccharide may be a beta-glucan. 20 In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of essential fatty acids present in the second topical composition may be between about 0.1% w/w and about 1% w/w, or more typically between about 0.1% w/w and about 0.5% w/w. Alternatively, the second topical composition may comprise about 0.15% w/w, 0.2% w/w, 0.25% w/w, 0.3% w/w, 0.35% w/w, 25 0.4% w/w, or 0.45% w/w of essential fatty acids. The essential fatty acids may be derived from a marine source. The marine source may be vegetal plankton. The essential fatty acids may be omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, for example but not limited to eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. 30 In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of moisturiser present in the second topical composition may be between about 0.5% w/w and about 7% w/w, or between about 0.5% w/w and about 2.5% w/w, or more typically between about 1.0% w/w and about 2.0% w/w.

WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 12 Alternatively, the second topical composition may comprise about 1.1% w/w, 1.2% w/w, 1.3% w/w, 1.4% w/w, 1.5% w/w, 1.6% w/w, 1.7% w/w, 1.8% w/w or 1.9% w/w of moisturiser. The moisturiser may be derived from an extract of Beta vulgaris. The extract may be from the root 5 of Beta vulgaris. In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of water lily extract present in the second topical composition may be between about 1% w/w and about 5% w/w, or more typically between about 2% w/w and about 4% w/w. Alternatively, the composition may comprise ic about 2.5% w/w, 3.0% w/w, or 3.5% w/w of water lily extract. The water lily extract may be obtained from any species of Nymphaeaceae. The species may be Nymphaea alba. The extract may be derived from the flower of a species of Nymphaeaceae. The water lily extract may be present in the composition in the form of a salt or derivative thereof and is may be in the form of a liquid or oil. In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of fat-soluble vitamins present in the second topical composition may be between about 0.1% w/w and about 5% w/w, or more typically between about 0.1% w/w and about 3.5% w/w. Alternatively, the second topical 20 composition may comprise about 0.5% w/w, 1.0% w/w, 1.5% w/w, 2.0% w/w, 2.5% w/w or 3.0% w/w of fat-soluble vitamins. The fat-soluble vitamins may comprise vitamin E, vitamin K 1 and vitamin A. The vitamin E may be present as tocopheryl acetate, the vitamin KI may be present as phytonadione, and the vitamin A 25 may be present as retinyl palmitate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fat-soluble vitamins may be present in the second topical composition in the form of other salt or derivative thereof. In accordance with particular embodiments of the invention the amount of water-soluble vitamins 30 present in the second topical composition may be between about 0.1% w/w and about 5% w/w, or more typically between about 0.1% w/w and about 3.5% w/w. Alternatively, the second topical composition may comprise about 0.5% w/w, 1.0% w/w, 1.5% w/w, 2.0% w/w, 2.5% w/w or 3.0% w/w of water-soluble vitamins.

WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 13 The water-soluble vitamins may comprise vitamin C, vitamin B3, vitamin 85 and vitamin B6. The vitamin C may be present as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, the vitamin B3 may be present as niacinamide, the vitamin B5 may be present as calcium pantothenate, and the vitamin B6 may be present as pyridoxine hydrochloride. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the water-soluble 5 vitamins may be present in the second topical composition in the form of other salt or derivative thereof. The topical formulations of the present invention typically comprise the components of the invention together with one or more acceptable carriers, and optionally any other therapeutic ingredients. jo Formulations suitable for topical administration may be in any suitable form, formulated for example as liminents, lotions, creams, gels, ointments or pastes; Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents are demineralised or distilled water; saline solution; vegetable based oils such as peanut oil, safflower oil, olive oil, cottonseed oil, maize oil, sesame oil, arachis oil or coconut oil; silicone oils, including polysiloxanes, such as methyl- polysiloxane, phenyl polysiloxane and s methylphenyl polysolpoxane; volatile silicones; mineral oils such. as liquid paraffin, soft paraffin or squalane; cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose; lower alkanols, for example ethanol or iso-propanol; lower aralkanols; lower polyalkylene glycols or lower alkylene glycols, for example polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene 20 glycol or glycerin; fatty acid esters such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate or ethyl oleate; polyvinylpyrridone; agar; carrageenan; gum tragacanth or gum acacia, and petroleum jelly. Typically, the carrier or carriers will form from 10% to 99.9% by weight of the compositions. Lotions according to the present invention include those suitable for application to the skin. Lotions 25 or liniments for application to the skin may also include an agent to hasten drying and to cool the skin, such as an alcohol or acetone, and/or a moisturiser such as glycerol, or oil such as castor oil or arachis oil. Creams, ointments or pastes according to the present invention are semi-solid formulations of the 30 agents for extemal application. They may be made by mixing the components in finely-divided or powdered form, alone or in solution or suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid, with a. greasy or non-greasy basis. The basis may comprise hydrocarbons such as hard, soft or liquid glycerin, paraffin, glycerol, beeswax, a metallic soap; a mucilage; an oil of natural origin such as WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 14 corn, arachis, castor or olive oil; wool fat or its derivatives or a fatty acid such as stearic or oleic acid together with an alcohol such as propylene glycol or macrogols. 5 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. to The present invention will now be described with reference to the following specific examples, which should not be construed as in any way limiting the scope of the invention. Examples Example 1 -Oral and topical compositions is By way of example only a suitable compositions for use in accordance with the invention are outlined below. The following is to be construed as merely an illustrative example of a composition and not as a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any way. Atypical composition for oral administration is outlined below: 20 Each capsule or tablet comprises: Herbal extracts equiv. to dry: * Polygonum cuspidatum (giant knotweed) root 20 g 25 * equiv. resveratrol 100 mg * Vitis vinifera (grape) seed 6 g * equiv. proanthocyanidins 47.5 mg e Vitis vinifera (grape) skin 30 mg 30 Nutrients: - Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) 50 mg * Quercetin 40 mg Dosage: WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 15 1 capsule or tablet once to three times daily. A typical first composition for topical administration is outlined below: 5 * Glycolic acid 15% w/w * Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate and butylene glycol 1.5% w/w * Nymphea alba flower extract 3% w/w 10 Dosage: A thin layer of the first topical composition is administered to the skin and left for 10 mins. The first topical composition is then removed with warm water. 15 A typical second composition for topical administration is outlined below: * Saccharomyces extract 2-10% w/w * Vegetal plankton extract 0.2% w/w 20 0 Hydrolysed com starch and Beta Vulgaris root extract 1.5%w/w * Nymphea alba flower extract 3% w/w * Water-soluble vitamins blend (vitamin E, vitamin K 1 & vitamin A) 0.5-2% 25 * Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 & vitamin B6) 0.5-3% Dosage: After using the first topical composition a thin layer of the second topical composition is administered 30 to the skin and left on overnight.

Claims

1. A method for improving the health of the skin of a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an oral composition comprising resveratrol, a proanthocyanidin, s grape skin extract and vitamin C; a first topical composition comprising glycolic acid, a Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate and a water lily extract; and a second topical composition comprising a yeast extract, essential fatty acids, moisturiser, a water lily extract, water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. io

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first topical composition is administered to the skin before the second topical composition.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the first topical composition is left on the skin for approximately 10 min and then removed. 15

4. A method according to any one claims 1 to 3, wherein the grape skin extract is obtained from Vitis vinifera.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amount of grape skin extract 20 in the composition is from about 10 mg to about 200 mg.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the amount of grape skin 'extract in the composition is about 30 Mg. 25

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the amount of resveratrol in the composition is from about 25 mg to about 300 mg.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the amount of resveratrol in the composition is about 100 mg. 30

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the resveratrol is present in the composition as an extract.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the extract is obtained from Polygonum WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 17 cuspidatum or Polygonum sachalinense.

11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the amount of the proanthocyanidin in the composition is from about 15 mg to about 80 mg. 5

12. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the amount of the proanthocyanidin in the composition is about 47.5 mg.

13. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the proanthocyanidin is present 10 in the composition as an extract.

14. A method according t6 claim 13, wherein the extract is obtained from grape seed.

15. A method according to claim 1.4, wherein the grape is Vitis vinifera. 15

16. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the amount of the vitamin C in the composition is from about 25 mg to about 200 mg.

17. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the amount of the vitamin C in 20 the composition is about 50 mg.

18. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the oral composition further comprises quercetin. 25

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the amount of quercetin in the oral composition is from about 10 mg to about 100 mg.

20. A method according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the amount of quercetin in the oral composition is about 40 mg. 30

21. A method according to any one of claims 1. to 20, wherein the oral composition further comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent or adjuvant.

22. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the oral composition is in the WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 18 form of a unit dosage form.

23. A method according to any one of claim 22, wherein the unit dosage form is a tablet, a capsule or a caplet. 5

24. A method according to any one of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein between 1 and 5 unit dosage forms are administered per day.

25. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the oral composition is in the o0 form of a food stuff or beverage.

26. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the amount of glycolic acid in the first topical composition is between about 10% w/w and about 20% w/w. 15

27. A method according to any one of claims I to 26, wherein the amount of glycolic acid in the first topical composition is about 15% w/w.

28. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the amount of Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate in the first topical composition is between about 1% w/w and 20 about 5% w/w.

29. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the amount of Vibrio Alginolyticus ferment filtrate present in the first topical composition is about 1.5% w/w. 25

30. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the amount of water lily extract in the first topical composition is about 3% w/w.

31. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the water lily extract in the first topical composition is obtained from Nymphaea alba. 30.

32. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the amount of.yeast extract in the second topical composition is between about 1% w/w and about 15% w/w.

33. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the amount of yeast extract in WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 19 the second topical composition is 5% w/w.

34. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the yeast extract in the second topical composition is obtained from a species of Saccharomyces 5

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the species is Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

36. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the amount of essential fatty acids in the second topical composition is about 0.2% w/w. 10

37. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the essential fatty acids in the second topical composition are derived from a marine source.

38. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the essential fatty acids 15 comprise eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.

39. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the amount of moisturiser present in the second topical composition is between about 0.5% w/w and about 7% w/w. 20

40. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the amount of moisturiser present in the second topical composition is 1.5% w/w.

41. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the moisturiser is obtained from Beta vulgaris. 25

42. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein moisturiser is obtained from the root of Beta vulgaris.

43. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 42; wherein the amount of water lily extract in 30 the second topical composition is about 3% w/w

44. A method according to any one of claims. 1 to 43, wherein the water lily extract in the second topical composition is obtained from Nymphaea alba. WO 2011/130788 PCT/AU2011/000452 20

45. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein the amount of fat-soluble vitamins present in the second topical composition is between about 0.1% w/w and about 5% w/w. 5

46. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein the amount of fat-soluble vitamins present in the second topical composition is between about 0.5% w/w and about 2% w/w.

47. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein the present in the first topical 10 composition fat-soluble vitamins comprise vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin A.

48. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein the amount of water-soluble vitamins'present in the second topical composition is between about 0.1% w/w and about 5% w/w. 15

49. A method according to any one of claims 1.to 48, wherein the amount of water-soluble vitamins present in the second topical composition is between about 0.5% w/w and about 3% w/w. 20

50. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein the water-soluble vitamins present in the second topical composition comprise vitamin C, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6.